Method of producing ceramic article with relief decoration

Abstract

A method of producing ceramic articles with a relief image comprises the steps of providing a ceramic article formed with a relief image thereon, providing a planar transfer decal having an image corresponding to the relief image, perforating the transfer decal to form a plurality of perforations through the transfer decal, applying the perforated transfer decal to the ceramic article, and firing the ceramic article with the perforated transfer article in a kiln. A pin tool comprising an array of pins is used to perforating the transfer decal. The relief image of the ceramic article can be formed in a mold or by an impressing roll such that an internal angle formed by each element of the relief image with respect to a surface of the ceramic article is less than 50 degree, preferably less than 45 degree. Pressure is applied to the perforated transfer decal against the surface of the relief image of the ceramic article manually or mechanically prior to the firing step.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A method of producing ceramic articles with relief decoration, comprising the steps of: 
       providing a ceramic article formed with a relief image thereon;  
       providing a transfer decal having an image corresponding to the relief image of the ceramic article;  
       perforating the transfer decal to form a plurality of perforations through the transfer decal;  
       applying the perforated transfer decal to the ceramic article; and  
       firing the ceramic article with the perforated transfer article in a kiln.  
     
     
       2. A method of claim  1  wherein the perforating step is performed by pressing a pin tool having an array of pins against the transfer decal. 
     
     
       3. A method of claim  1  wherein the relief image of the ceramic article comprises elements standing out from a surface of the ceramic article and each element forms an internal angle with respect to the surface of the ceramic article which is less than 50 degree. 
     
     
       4. A method of claim  1  wherein the internal angle is less than 45 degree. 
     
     
       5. A method of claim  1  further comprising prior to the firing step the step of applying pressure on the perforated transfer decal against the surface of the ceramic article on which the perforated transfer decal is placed. 
     
     
       6. A method of claim  5  wherein the step of applying pressure is performed by putting the ceramic article with the perforated transfer decal in pressurized liquid in a tank. 
     
     
       7. A method of claim  6  wherein the pressurized liquid in the tank is maintained at a pressure of from 4 to 5 kg per square cm. 
     
     
       8. A method of claim  1  wherein the transfer decal comprises a backing paper, a water-soluble glue film formed on the backing paper and accepting a decorative ceramic ink layer thereon, and a cover coat on the decorative ceramic ink layer, and wherein the cover coat is of high flexibility.